Villa Punta Secca Villas in Sicily in Santa Croce Camerina

Description

A classic Sicilian villa, very close to the sandy beaches of Sicily’s south east and almost on the doorstep of many of the film locations used for the popular Inspector Montalbano series. Several of the region’s finest baroque towns, Scicli, Modica and Ragusa, are close by.

The spacious grounds are filled with palm trees and Mediterranean vegetation, with shady pergolas that set the scene for al fresco dining and lazy afternoon snoozes. Hideaway corners of the garden are furnished with stone benches and tables and chairs, ensuring that there is always a sheltered spot under the dappled light of a tree in the traditional courtyard. There is plenty of space for soaking up the sun, on terraces edged by planted borders, around the pool. This is slightly separate from the villa, accessed either via the main gate or via a passageway that leads directly from the courtyard. At one end of the pool, there is another covered dining area, with a barbecue and ping pong table.

The villa is set on two levels, built around a plant-filled central courtyard. On the ground floor, the main living/dining room and kitchen are converted from the original stables, filled with antique furniture and trinkets and oozing with atmosphere. The kitchen is accessed directly from the courtyard, piled high with Sicilian ceramics and with a wood burning oven in addition to all mod cons (dishwasher, fridge-freezer, hob). This opens out into the dining room which has a large dining table and bench seating. A second kitchen, with dining table and living room, provides an alternative living area.

Bedrooms are simply furnished. Three of the bedrooms (two doubles, one twin) are on the ground floor, together with three modern bathrooms. The fourth bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower in on the first floor, alongside a second living room with double sofabed (no aircond.) which has sliding doors on to a terrace.

The area

The villa is ideally situated both for trips to the sea and the many splendid beaches along the coast, all within easy driving distance, and to some of Sicily’s most beautiful UNESCO-protected Baroque towns such as Scicli, Ragusa and Noto where guests can also shop and find several fine restaurants. Siracusa and its ancient Greek theatre is also within easy driving distance as it is the Vendicari Nature Reserve, a truly paradise for the birdwatching lovers.

The beaches in the area of Pozzallo and Marina di Ragusa have received several consecutive "Bandiere Blu", attesting to the cleanliness of the water and their general ecological excellence. The beach at Marina di Modica is great for surfers and windsurfers and has sun beds and umbrella for rent. There are also several lidos at Sampieri where the beach is slightly wilder and fringed with dunes.

The villa is also located a few miles from the set of the BBC Four’s popular Inspector Montalbano series. A unique chance to experience first-hand the magnificent settings of the most beloved character written by the famous Andrea Camilleri. For golf lovers, the Donnafugata Golf Club is at easy drive distance from the villa.

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Review

Danie M.

03-09-2018 -

The villa was perfect for our needs: two families each with young children. There was more room than we needed, and it was very generously equipped throughout. Inside and outside is beautiful, but not in a way that made us nervous our children would break things. The courtyard was lovely to sit out in; the pool area is separate from the courtyard, which allowed us to relax as the children played outside. The pool is a great size, and again set in beautiful surroundings. If you don’t have young children, you could walk to the beach and restaurants, but it was a bit far (and hot!) for our lot. There are stunning, baroque towns a short drive away, and a wealth of beaches. Finally, Claudia and Vincenzo were wonderful hosts: they greeted us on arrival, and immediately made us feel very welcome. They made themselves scarce for the rest of the week, but responded quickly to any questions via WhatsApp. The staff from WishSicily responded quickly and competently.

Anna D.

04-09-2017 -

The villa was just as described with a great outdoor area and pool and the owner purchased a ping pong table for us! The owners greeted us with cold drinks and local snacks, informing us of the local area and places to visit. Really lovely people. I dealt with Gioacchino at Wish Sicily who is super knowledgeable, helpful and informative. He is fast and responsive and gave great suggestions, even adding a ping pong table to our villa request!

Sophie Q.

05-08-2017 -

Amazing and beautiful villa with lots of shady areas for the heat of the day and beautifully maintained gardens and pool. The hosts were delightful and welcoming. The location was perfect to explore.

Joseph R.

25-06-2017 -

I'd give them a 4.5. They're above a 4. Things I suggest is getting screens on the upstairs bedroom sliding glass door. Could also use lounge chairs, coach, etc..even hammocks. Everything is as advertised. Well done upgrade on ancient site. Claudia and Vincenzo were helpful and responsive.